#Small Modular Reactors

[jellysshitpoems]

What’s your opinion on small nuclear reactors/SMRs? I’ve heard a lot about them recently (including some advertisements actually) but I’m not sure how applicable they would be outside of their current uses, like powering naval ships/icebreakers and research stations. I’ve read that they could be used to power off-grid native communities; is that something that gets discussed a lot in Canada?

As always, I hope you’re doing alright!

You just managed to touch on two things rarely talked about in Canada, Indigenous communities that are in need of help, and SMRs 😅

Small modular reactors aren’t something Im particularly well versed in, I wasn’t even aware they were used on/considering using them on large ships, but it makes sense! I heard that they could be used to power things like natural disaster clean up, due to their portability and what not, but using them to power remote communities (Indigenous or not) Is a great idea!

Unfortunately though, Canada doesn’t exactly have the greatest history with helping said communities. In fact theres a lot (and I mean a fucking LOT, over 600) of reserves that don’t have access to even just clean drinking water. Hell I did a whole project on a community that has had mercury poisoning for decades! And their levels are still so high it can affect fetal development! So I doubt any reservations or towns are getting billion dollar SMRs- Thanks Canadian government!!!

I feel like I always find a way to derail these asks. Oops.

Anywaysss, from what Ive heard SMRs are super cool, I just dont know a lot! My brain has bigger fish to fry when it comes to my hyper fixation if that makes sense lmao, I like big reactors and huge facilities. Organization and protocols and precautions kick my adhd into gear, yayy systems 😁😁

[man-and-atom]

Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station undoubtedly has many useful lessons for any lunar or planetary outpost. But we have to take a moment to stand aghast at the energy supply.

“Hundreds of thousands of gallons” of a super-expensive specialty grade of jet fuel, brought in either by air, or by driving tractors and sleds for “several weeks” across the ice cap?

A nuclear power unit for an electrical load of about 1 MW (and a corresponding heat load of about 3 MW) would be very costly. No doubt about it. But could it be that costly? Equally to the point, with a refuelling interval of not less than three years, worries about laying up enough fuel in before winter closes in would be a thing of the past, even considering the needs for aircraft refuelling and backup fuel in case of a reactor problem. Simply endangering fewer lives on hazardous supply flights and traverses would justify the cost.

The unsatisfactory performance of PM-3A at McMurdo has given atomic power an undeserved bad reputation in the polar regions. Yes, we say undeserved — certainly, leaks from the primary circuit resulted in contamination, with the result that a large volume of gravel from around the plant was dug up and shipped back to the USA as “nuclear waste”. But contamination by petroleum fuel is far more common, far more extensive, and far more difficult to detect with cheap hand-held instruments.

[irradiate-space]

Shower thoughts on power generation

Starting assumptions:

The current generation of Small Modular Reactors has never been small enough to containerize, but there are small thermoelectric containerizable power plants without proliferation concerns: see the Mars rovers

Gigascale nuclear is still cheaper per MWh than SMR

But solar and wind are cheaper than gigascale nuclear

But solar and wind aren't 100% availability

Batteries are somewhat expensive

Flywheels are already containerized (see Kodiak, Alaska)

Terraform Industries would be stupid if their plants weren't containerized, and they don't seem stupid. Their rollout starts in 2024.

Carbon-neutral and carbon-negative don't mean "no carbon-based fuels"; just "no fossil fuels".

How do I see the near future playing out, say by 2050?

Containerized nuclear thermoelectric batteries are used for low-load low-sunlight high-impact postings, as a form of set-and-forget critical infrastructure. This is the most-wishful item on my list.

Maybe there's some geothermal in the mix, but it remains high cost to site and construct relative to other forms of power, and has limited geographic availability.

Gigascale nuclear gets built when your consumption density is higher than available solar/wind generation density, so long as it remains infeasible to build new long-distance power transmission lines.

Solar/wind fields power containerized electricity-to-CH4 plants as a source of carbon for carboniferous fuels. This fuels non-electrified mobile sources and, directly fuels demand-responsive gas turbines for The Grid when the sun don't shine/the wind don't blow. Your renewables overproduce electricity, beyond what The Grid needs? Make CH4. Don't want to deal with permitting for a thousand-mile-long transmission pipeline? Don't. Colocate CH4 generation with CH4 use.

Need a microgrid for a Burning Man, a FEMA camp, or Palestine? Unload a containerized 1MWh solar/flywheel/battery/CH4 setup, with 5 acres' worth of containerized solar panels to back it up. Knock out the temporary panels on the containers and convert them to modular buildings. Need more MWh? More containers, more acres. Or just truck in a couple tankers of methane and a generator.

Applications requiring high energy density switch to CH4, or use the cheapest solar/wind electricity to turn CH4 to propane/kerosene/gasoline as needed. Aircraft and many ground vehicles will still emit CO2, but it's CO2 that was sucked from the sky: Net Zero is achieved.

Net CO2 reduction comes from diverting air-sourced carbon to fixation: plastics, paints, asphalt, concrete, diamonds.

The Haber-Bosch process uses air-sourced hydrogen or desalination-sourced hydrogen instead of fossil hydrogen to make ammonia.

[thelikan]

India Ropes In Private Sector for Nuclear Heavy Water Testing

For the first time, India’s nuclear program involves private company TEMA India to test equipment for upgrading heavy water, cutting reactor development time and boosting clean energy targets. India’s Nuclear Energy Push Gets a Boost: Private Sector Joins Heavy Water Testing India has taken a significant step toward speeding up the construction and operation of nuclear power plants. For the…

[j-power]

NRC reviews TVA SMR construction permit

[legarski]

Hybrid Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Pioneering the Future of Energy and Connectivity

SolveForce is proud to announce the release of a groundbreaking new book, “Hybrid Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): From Design to Future Technologies,” co-authored by Ronald Joseph Legarski, Jr., President & CEO of SolveForce and Co-Founder of Adaptive Energy Systems. This publication stands at the convergence of next-generation nuclear energy, telecommunications infrastructure, and digital…

[notayesmanseconomics]

UK employment and unemployment are feeling the impact of the NI rises

Some days quite a few different economic themes cross over and today is one of those. Let me start with the words of UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. “We’re not going to apologise.” @Ed_Miliband tells #TimesRadio the decision to U-turn on winter fuel payments is right because the chancellor has now “stabilised the public finances”. He went on to repeat the claim of their having been a fiscal…

[medicaldevicesindustrynews]

U.S. Nuclear Power Market: Growth Drivers, Challenges, and Future Outlook

The U.S. nuclear power market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing electricity demand, advancements in reactor technologies, and a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In 2024, the market was valued at approximately USD 13.3 billion and is projected to reach USD 19.6 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2025 to 2032. Rising…

[anuraxx]

Oklo says engaging with Nuclear Regulatory Commission in readiness assessment.. read more..

[nicolae]

Amazon is investing in the nuclear industry in small modular reactors for clean energy

Amazon has announced a bold step towards sustainability with a major investment in small modular reactors (SMRs) to use clean nuclear power globally. The initiative marks a significant shift in the company’s energy strategy as it aims to reduce its carbon footprint and move closer to its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2040. The investment, part of Amazon’s Climate Pledge, involves a…

[trendynewsnow]

Tech Giants Embrace Nuclear Power for Sustainable Energy Needs

Nuclear Power: The New Frontier for Tech Giants In a noteworthy shift, major technology companies are increasingly turning to nuclear power plants as a source of emissions-free electricity, essential for powering their expansive operations, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). Recent agreements between firms such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon with operators and developers…

[researchinenergyandpower]

The global small modular reactor market size is estimated to be USD 5.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 6.8 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 2.3% during the forecast period. Factors such as the versatile nature of nuclear power and the relative advantages of SMRs such as modularization and factory construction are enabling the growth of the market.

[wayti-blog]

"MUMBAI: State-run Indian Oil Corporation Ltd is in preliminary talks with atomic power monopoly to build small nuclear units [Small modular reactors (SMRs)], an early-stage technology seen as a cost-effective alternative to larger plants.

The refiner and fuel retailer is exploring a partnership with state-controlled Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd to use small modular reactors, or SMRs, in its refineries for clean power, Alok Sharma, Indian Oil's director for R&D, said at a conference in New Delhi Wednesday.

As several bigger projects face delays, policymakers are promoting small-scale nuclear technology with a capacity of up to 300 MW, which is quicker to build and easier to adjust to the requirements of the grid. To boost the nascent sector, the government is considering allowing private firms to manage and operate reactors."

article here

[darnellafrica]

Ghana 🇬🇭 Nuclear Deal: Small Modular Reactors From Five Potential Suitors

Ghana 🇬🇭 has been experiencing energy growing pains as of late, & the nation is actively seeking out nuclear power as a long-term option.

Fortunately, the nation known for its gold has a golden opportunity to have a nuclear power plant built within its borders & is actively being courted by five nuclear-powered nations.

“Choosing the US industry offers advantages you can’t get from anyone else,” said Maria Korsnick, president of the US Nuclear Energy Institute. “The US industry will not seek to weaponise energy production or trap partners in a cycle of debts. We want real partnerships that lead to real energy independence and security.” […]

Ahead of the summit, the US government committed $1.7m to the development of a Small Modular Reactors (SMR) simulator in Ghana to serve the region, matching up similar efforts by Russia’s state-run Rosatom that only recently sealed a nuclear power plant deal with neighbouring Burkina Faso.

Since 2021, when it put out a request for a vendor country, the West African country has received proposals from the US, Russia, China, France and South Korea.

Although the government of Ghana 🇬🇭 still has friendly relations with France 🇫🇷 & Russia 🇷🇺, it would be surprising for them to pick either of those countries due to the growing anti-France sentiment in Africa & global sanctions on Russia 🇷🇺 (over their invasion of Ukraine 🇺🇦), respectively.

China 🇨🇳, South Korea 🇰🇷 & the United States 🇺🇸 are probably the leading contenders for a reactor, with the latter being the most welcoming due to availability of capital.

Hopefully, more African nations will be courted with nuclear energy deals in the future, as Ghana’s 🇬🇭 bigger brother Nigeria 🇳🇬 is also in desperate need of a nuclear power plant.

[kishorxox]

Small Modular Reactors Market to be Worth $6.14 Billion by 2032

Meticulous Research®—a leading global market research company, published a research report titled, ‘Small Modular Reactors Market by Type (Light-water Reactors, High-temperature Reactors), Coolant (Water, Liquid Lead), Deployment Mode, Fuel Type (Uranium), Application (Power Generation, Desalination) and Geography — Global Forecast to 2032.’

According to this latest publication from Meticulous Research®, the small modular reactors market is projected to reach $6.14 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 2.4% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is driven by the increasing adoption of SMRs for power generation, rising government initiatives associated with decarbonization, and growing demand for reliable and flexible nuclear power. However, the strict regulatory policies and standards for deploying SMRs restrain the growth of this market. Furthermore, the increasing focus on net zero emission and decarbonization in the energy sector are expected to create market growth opportunities. However, the lack of a standard licensing process is a major challenge for the players operating in this market. The global small modular reactors market trends are rising demand for clean and reliable energy sources.

The small modular reactors market is segmented by type (light-water reactors [pressurized water reactors and boiling water reactors], heavy-water reactors, high-temperature reactors, fast neutron reactors, molten salt reactors, and fast breeder reactors), coolant type (liquid lead, gases, water, and other coolants), deployment mode (land-based deployment and marine-based deployment), fuel type (uranium and other fuel types), application (power generation [single-module power plants and multi-module power plants] process heat, desalination, and other applications), and geography. The study also evaluates industry competitors and analyses the market at the regional and country levels.

Based on type, the small modular reactors market is segmented into light-water reactors, heavy-water reactors, high-temperature reactors, fast neutron reactors, molten salt reactors, and fast breeder reactors. In 2025, the light-water reactors segment is expected to account for the largest share of the small modular reactors market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the increasing use of light-water reactors due to the higher efficiency of generating energy from water and the growing ability to serve both as a moderator and coolant to carry away the energy generated by nuclear fission. Also, this segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on coolant type, the small modular reactors market is segmented into liquid lead, gases, water, and other coolants. In 2025, the water segment is expected to account for the largest share of the small modular reactors market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the increasing need for water coolant to convey heat from the reactor core to the steam turbines and the growing adoption of water coolant to maintain manageable pressures within the core. Also, this segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on deployment mode, the small modular reactors market is segmented into land-based and marine-based deployment. In 2025, the land-based deployment segment is expected to account for the larger share of the small modular reactors market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the increasing adoption of land-based deployment of SMRs to maintain safety and security and enhancement of land-based deployment due to lower maintenance costs. However, the marine-based deployment segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the growing demand for affordable carbon-free power and the rising need to generate clean energy solutions that are safer, affordable, and flexible.

Based on fuel type, the small modular reactors market is segmented into uranium and other fuel type. In 2025, the uranium segment is expected to account for the larger share of the small modular reactors market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the increasing demand for uranium due to the ability to generate large-scale low-carbon baseload electricity and the growing demand for uranium in nuclear power plants for nuclear fission. Also, this segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on application, the small modular reactors market is segmented into power generation, process heat, desalination, and other applications. In 2025, the power generation segment is expected to account for the largest share of the small modular reactors market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the rising demand for producing large amounts of carbon-free electricity, growing demand for low fuel cost, and increasing use of power plants for more efficient output, portable and easy to construct. Also, this segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on geography, the small modular reactors market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2025, Asia-pacific is expected to account for the largest share of the small modular reactors systems market, followed by Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia-Pacific’s major market share is attributed to the presence of prominent players offering small modular reactors. Furthermore, rising deployments of SMRs in coastal, island and offshore areas, increasing integration of renewable energy sources with SMRs, and growing demand for low-carbon, reliable, and flexible power generation are also contributing to the growth of the small modular reactors market in Asia-Pacific. Also, this region is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Key Players:

The key players operating in the small modular reactors market include Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (Canada), Fluor Corporation (U.S.), General Electric Company (U.S.), Holtec International (U.S.), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Japan), Rolls-Royce plc (U.K.), Terrestrial Energy Inc. (Canada), X Energy, LLC (U.S.), Westinghouse Electric Company LLC (U.S.), Kairos Power (U.S.), TerraPower, LLC (U.S.), Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (Japan), ARC Clean Technology, Inc. (Canada), and Leadcold (Sweden), and General Atomics (U.S.).

Download Sample Report Here @ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=5512

Key questions answered in the report-

Which are the high-growth market segments based on type, coolant type, deployment mode, fuel type, application, and geography?

What was the historical market for small modular reactors?

What are the market forecasts and estimates for the period 2025–2032?

What are the major drivers, restraints, opportunities, challenges, and trends in the small modular reactors market?

Who are the major players, and what shares do they hold in the small modular reactors market?

How is the competitive landscape in the small modular reactors market?

What are the recent developments in the small modular reactors market?

What are the different strategies adopted by the major players in the small modular reactors market?

What are the key geographic trends, and which are the high-growth countries?

Who are the local emerging players in the small modular reactors market, and how do they compete with the other players?

Contact Us: Meticulous Research® Email- sales@meticulousresearch.com Contact Sales- +1-646-781-8004 Connect with us on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/meticulous-research

[nicolae]

Sam Altman, ChatGPT and Small Modular Reactors

(A light water small modular nuclear reactor. Credit: U.S. Government Accountability Office/Wikimedia Commons) Sam Altman is an entrepreneur, investor, and former president of Y Combinator, a startup accelerator that has funded companies like Airbnb, Dropbox, and Stripe. He is also the CEO of OpenAI, which developed ChatGPT, a research organization that aims to create artificial intelligence that…